Lukashenko: Belarus is eyeing Northern Sea Route

Belarus has begun to supply its goods through Russian ports and will expand this format of cooperation, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he spoke to foreign and Belarusian journalists in Minsk on 16 February, BelTA has learned.

The head of state stressed that Belarus aims to develop economic cooperation with the Far East. "We will process fish in Belarus, as well as all the other riches that are there," he said.

The parties are also working on the launch of joint ventures. "Primorye Territory is very interested in our technologies," the president said.

"The most important thing for us is that we began using Russian ports. Lithuania and Latvia have closed their ports for us to their own detriment. Odessa is not available (the war is going on), although we could use it to transport grain. We are starting to work from the eastern ports. We want to build a port in Murmansk and along the Northern Sea Route deliver our goods. Such are our plans, and we began to realize them. But this is only the beginning," the Belarusian leader added.

Journalists from the Far East asked the head of state whether Belarus plans to launch tourist routes to Russia's Primorye Territory and, in particular, its administrative center Vladivostok. The president replied that he had discussed this topic with Governor of Primorye Territory Oleg Kozhemyako. Corresponding instructions to work out the issue were given to both governments. Cooperation with the Far East in tourism was also touched upon during the negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

"For Belarusians, it would be of great interest, despite the distance. A very interesting land. We're ready. I think governments will make specific decisions to make it easier for us to fly to you and for you to fly more to us. I absolutely support that. The Russian president supported it too. Everything will depend on how quickly the Russian government makes the appropriate decision. We are instantly ready for this," the Belarusian leader stressed.